Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Life & Legacy

January 12, 2024

I hope power is restored and crews have reopened roads in your neighborhood after the snow and rain we experience in the past week.

Looking ahead, the nation will be honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend. Please read below to find out where you can take part in a local event to learn more about his leadership in the civil rights movement.

The state is doing all it can to keep up with thousands of unemployment insurance claims. Keep scrolling to find out how you can avoid calling the contact center and get your questions answered more quickly online.

Finally, I'm sponsoring a Winter Warm-Up Donation Drive. I'll break down how you can help those in need stay warm during the coldest months of the year.

Have a great holiday weekend!

 
Paying Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As we approach the weekend, let’s take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His leadership led to the success of the civil rights movement. His actions played a pivotal role in achieving strides toward racial equality.

Dr. King continues to inspire and affect racial progress today. His work paved the way for positive change, fostering a society that values justice, equality, and human rights.

This weekend serves as an opportunity for all of us to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy. We can recommit ourselves to unity and justice while contributing to the ongoing pursuit of civil rights.

Please join the community for a rally and march on Monday, January 15 at Bethel AME Church on Fairfield Avenue.

CLICK HERE for other relevant events in Stamford over the coming days.

 
Unemployment Insurance Reminders
The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) is overwhelmed with claims for Unemployment Insurance. CTDOL’s Consumer Contact Center unemployment claims representatives have more than 13,000 appointments scheduled in just the next two weeksYou can help out even if you need assistance, and the CTDOL is offering some tips.

The top two reasons filers need assistance:
 
1.      Forgotten username or password.

  • Filers should write down their username/password combination and store it in a safe location or in a digital password keeper. Passwords must be reset in accordance to federal rules for unemployment benefits.

Filers do not need to make an appointment to talk to a claims agent. They can reset their passwords by submitting the lockout form online. That is faster than scheduling an appointment.

 2.      Ten-day processing period. 

  • Unemployment claims must go through a verification process that includes employer notification as well as identity and fraud prevention checks. This verification period takes a minimum of 10 days. Claims will not be paid out until they are processed in accordance with state and federal law. 

The Connecticut Department of Labor encourages filers to submit a case online rather than calling to make an appointment as it is often results in a more timely response and resolution.

 
Winter Warm-Up Donation Drive

Please consider donating new winter clothing and accessories for those in need. I am sponsoring a Winter Warm-Up drive in Stamford from January 22 through February 2. You can find some of the requested items below.

Drop off locations:

  • Building One Community on Shippan Avenue or
  • Stamford Government Center Social Services Office on Washington Boulevard